15 May - Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi birth anniversary

 

Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi was born on 15 May 1864, and passed away on 21 December 1938.He was a distinguished Hindi writer, literary critic, editor, and publisher. He is renowned for his pivotal role in the modernization and standardization of the Hindi language and literature.

Dwivedi was instrumental in popularizing Hindi literature and played a crucial role in its acceptance as a mainstream literary language. He founded various literary journals and publications, including Saraswati, which became a significant platform for promoting Hindi literature and fostering literary debates.

As an editor and publisher, Dwivedi provided a platform for emerging writers and scholars, nurturing talent and shaping the direction of Hindi literature. His own writings covered a wide range of topics, including literary criticism, philosophy, and social issues. He advocated for the use of Hindi in education, administration, and public discourse, contributing to its status as one of India's official languages.

Dwivedi's contributions to Hindi literature earned him accolades and recognition during his lifetime and continue to influence writers and scholars today. He remains a towering figure in the history of Hindi literature, celebrated for his efforts in shaping and elevating the language to new heights.

15 May - Mother's Day in Paraguay

 

Mother's Day in Paraguay, known as "Día de la Madre," is celebrated on May 15th, which coincides with the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Miracles of Caacupé, the patron saint of Paraguay. This date was chosen to honor both mothers and the Virgin Mary.

On Mother's Day in Paraguay, families typically gather to celebrate and honor mothers with special meals, gifts, and gestures of appreciation. Many people give flowers, chocolates, and cards to their mothers, expressing their love and gratitude. It's a day dedicated to showing mothers how much they are cherished and valued for their love, sacrifice, and nurturing role in the family and society.

Religious observances are also common on Mother's Day in Paraguay, with some families attending Mass or participating in other religious activities to honor the Virgin Mary and seek her blessings for their mothers and families. It's a meaningful and festive occasion that highlights the importance of maternal love and the significant role of mothers in Paraguayan culture.

 

15 May - La Corsa dei Ceri begins on the eve of the feast day of Saint Ubaldo. (Gubbio)

 

La Corsa dei Ceri, also known as the "Race of the Candles," is a centuries-old tradition that takes place in Gubbio, a town in the Umbria region of Italy. This event is held annually on May 15th, the eve of the feast day of Saint Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio.

The festival is a lively and colorful celebration that commemorates the life of Saint Ubaldo, who was a bishop in Gubbio during the 12th century. The highlight of the festival is the race, where three teams, each representing one of Gubbio's patron saints – Saint Ubaldo, Saint George, and Saint Anthony – compete in a thrilling race through the streets of the town.

Each team carries a large wooden structure, called a "cero" or "candle," which is topped with a statue of their respective saint. The ceri are incredibly heavy, weighing several hundred kilograms, and are carried by teams of men known as "ceraioli." The goal of the race is to carry the ceri uphill to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, located atop Mount Ingino, as quickly as possible.

The race is preceded by various religious ceremonies and festivities, including processions, Masses, and music performances. The entire town comes together to participate in and witness the spectacle, which is steeped in history, tradition, and fervent devotion to Saint Ubaldo.

La Corsa dei Ceri is not only a significant religious event but also a symbol of community pride and identity for the people of Gubbio, attracting visitors from all over Italy and beyond to witness the excitement and spectacle of this unique tradition.

15 May - Peace Officers Memorial Day (United States)

 

Peace Officers Memorial Day was designated by Congress and President Kennedy in 1962 as a day to honor and remember law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. It falls within National Police Week, which takes place each year during the week in which May 15th falls.

During National Police Week, various events are held to honor law enforcement officers, including memorial services, candlelight vigils, wreath-laying ceremonies, and police officer memorial runs. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a focal point for many of these activities.

The memorial wall, inscribed with the names of over 22,000 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, serves as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and remembrance. The annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, is one of the central events of National Police Week, bringing together thousands of law enforcement officers, survivors, and supporters to pay tribute to fallen officers.

In addition to the national events, many local communities across the country hold their own ceremonies and activities to honor their fallen officers and support their families. Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day and the gratitude owed to those who serve and protect their communities.

 

15 May - Nakba Day (Palestinian communities)

 

Nakba Day, which means "Day of Catastrophe" in Arabic (Arabic: يوم النكبة‎), is observed annually by Palestinians and their supporters on May 15th. It commemorates the displacement and suffering of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which led to the establishment of the state of Israel.

The Nakba refers to the mass expulsion and exodus of Palestinians from their homes and land as a result of the 1948 war. Many Palestinians were forced to flee to neighboring countries, while others were internally displaced within what became the state of Israel. The Nakba remains a deeply significant and traumatic event in Palestinian history, shaping the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the quest for Palestinian statehood and rights.

On Nakba Day, Palestinians and their supporters hold rallies, marches, demonstrations, and other events to commemorate the Nakba, honor the memories of those who were displaced or killed, and reaffirm their commitment to the Palestinian cause. It's a day of remembrance, solidarity, and resilience for Palestinians worldwide.

 

15 May - Teachers' Day (Colombia, Mexico and South Korea)

 

Teachers' Day is celebrated in various countries around the world, often on different dates. Here's how it is observed in Colombia, Mexico, and South Korea:

1. Colombia: In Colombia, Teachers' Day, known as "Día del Maestro," is celebrated on May 15th. It's a day to honor and appreciate the hard work and dedication of teachers across the country. Schools may organize special events, assemblies, or gatherings to recognize the contributions of teachers to the education system and society as a whole.

2. Mexico: In Mexico, Teachers' Day, or "Día del Maestro," is observed on May 15th as well. Similar to Colombia, it's a day dedicated to acknowledging the efforts and importance of educators in shaping the lives of students and the future of the nation. Schools may hold ceremonies, presentations, or festivities to honor teachers and express gratitude for their service.

3. South Korea: In South Korea, Teachers' Day, known as "Seonsaeng-nal" (선생님날), is celebrated on May 15th too. This day is marked by various activities to show appreciation for teachers, including giving gifts, writing thank-you cards, and organizing special events in schools. It's a significant occasion for students to express their gratitude and respect for their teachers' guidance and mentorship.

These celebrations reflect the universal recognition of the invaluable role that teachers play in nurturing young minds, shaping futures, and contributing to society's development.

 

15 May - First Issue stamps of the Ionian Islands

The First Issue stamps of the Ionian Islands, released on May 15, 1859, were part of a series of stamps introduced for postal use in the Ionian Islands during the British administration. Here are some more details about these stamps:

1. Design: The stamps featured a profile portrait of Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom at the time. The design was printed in monochrome, typically in shades of blue or gray.

2. Denominations: The stamps were issued in various denominations to accommodate different postal rates. Common denominations included 1 penny, 2 pence, 4 pence, and 1 shilling.

3. Usage: These stamps were used for postage within the Ionian Islands during the period of British rule. They were affixed to letters and parcels as evidence that postage had been paid.

4. Cancellations: Like other contemporary stamps, the First Issue of the Day stamps would often bear postal cancellations indicating the date and location of mailing. These cancellations can provide collectors with valuable information about the postal history of the Ionian Islands during this period.

5. Transfer to Greek Sovereignty: The Ionian Islands remained under British administration until 1864 when they were transferred to Greek sovereignty. After the transfer, Greek stamps began to be used for postal services in the islands, marking the end of the use of the First Issue of the Day stamps.

These stamps are now highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and relative rarity. They provide a tangible link to the postal history of the Ionian Islands during the mid-19th century.

15 May - The Indian People's Theatre Association was established

 

The Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) was officially founded on 15 May 1943. IPTA is a cultural organization in India that brings together artists, writers, musicians, and performers with a focus on using the arts for social and political change. It has been historically associated with the leftist and progressive movements in India.

IPTA played a significant role in promoting socially relevant and politically charged art, including theater, music, and literature. It aimed to use the arts as a means of addressing social issues and advocating for change. Many prominent artists, intellectuals, and activists have been associated with IPTA throughout its history.

The establishment of IPTA in 1943 marked a period of cultural and artistic activism in India, aligning with the broader movements for independence and social justice during that time.